Community Forums

Vrob53 · 02-22-2017, 07:53 PM

Got my first MH and am trying to figure out how to take my motorcycle with my wife's explorer with us. Weighed the MH and rear axle is at 15480 with a stated limit of 17500 leaving about 2000. The motorcycle weights under 800. The total weight of MH is 23600 with a limit of 30000. Explorer weights 4600 lbs and the class III hitch has a 500 lb tongue weight and 5000 straight tow and 7500 4 down toad. We have the explorer set up for 4 down. I am concerned that the lift and cycle will pull the weight down too much on the rear axle. The folks at fast master say I should be fine. I am concerned since I can't set it up and test. Anyone with a similar set up that can give me some experience notes?

Thanks

Gordon Dewald · 02-22-2017, 08:02 PM

Take the weight of the motorcycle and lift and multiply them by the distance from the front axle to the center of the weight of the lift and motorcycle, probably the center of the motorcycle. You may have to estimate where the motorcycle will be when in the up position but you should be close.

Divide that number by the wheelbase. The number is the additional weight the motorcycle and lift will place on the rear axle.

Kiawah · 02-22-2017, 08:24 PM

What Gordon is describing, is how hanging a heavy weight on the rear of the coach, actually shifts the pivot point of the coach. In addition to the weight of the hitch and the bike, some of the weight carried by the front axle will shift to the rear axle.

JohnArch · 02-23-2017, 05:36 AM

http://www.hitchcity.com/files/Towin...alculation.pdf

Try this site.

Vrob53 · 02-23-2017, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

Take the at of the motorcycle and lift and multiply them by the distance from the front axle to the center of the weight of the lift and motorcycle, probably the center of the motorcycle. You may have to estimate where the motorcycle will be when in the up position but you should be close.

Divide that number by the wheelbase. The number is the additional weight the motorcycle and lift will place on the rear axle.

Thanks I will see what that gets me

Vrob53 · 02-23-2017, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnArch

http://www.hitchcity.com/files/Towin...alculation.pdf

Try this site.

Thanks

Vrob53 · 02-23-2017, 05:02 PM

Well that settles that. Too much weight on the rear axle. Unless I can remove some weight off that rear axle.

Vrob53 · 02-23-2017, 05:03 PM

I guess I will be looking for a truck to tow behind the MH that I can tow 4 down and not exceed 7000 lbs total

chunker · 02-23-2017, 09:13 PM

My 15 Ford F-150 super cab 4WD comes in around 4700+#. I tow the jeep though

Knoxie89 · 02-23-2017, 09:49 PM

If the explorer can be dolly towed they make Dolly's with a platform for motorcycles or other toys.

http://www.overbiltlifts.com/car-dolly/

www.tandem-tow.com